The family of Laura Schapansky, age 72, announces that she has gone to be with her Lord and Saviour, Monday, December 29th, 2014, after a brief battle with cancer. Laura Virginia Derksen was born to Justina Derksen in Taber, AB on January 20th, 1942. She was the youngest of three children, a sibling to her brother, Walter and sister, Anne. The family moved to Herbert, SK where Laura grew up, attended school, and learned to play piano. As a young woman she worked as a live-in nanny and house maid for various Herbert families. Laura met her sweetheart, Dan Schapansky, in Herbert, and they were married on November 25, 1962. They lived in Ernfold, SK for a number of years while employed on a farm, where Laura prepared meals for the hired men, and tended to a large garden. Laura & Dan were both baptized at the Herbert Mennonite Church, where they were members for many years. Laura gave birth to their daughter, Treena, in 1969, and was kept busy raising their daughter, while keeping the house and garden. Employment allowed the family to move into housing accommodations on the Herbert Feed Lot, where after four years they returned to live in the town of Herbert. As a home maker, Laura also enjoyed her time as a sales representative for Artex liquid embroidery paint, and for a period worked at the John Bergen company sewing trampolines. Laura excelled at using both conventional and industrial sewing machines, and continued to use these machines and skills at home, either making dresses, stitching heavy canvas, or making tiny clothes for Dan’s farm toy collection. Laura’s most memorable employment was as a kitchen aid at the Herbert Nursing Home for ten years, retiring in 1999. Laura & Dan very much enjoyed camping and made annual treks with their trailer in tow, to various parks and cities, to be with family members and to enjoy the outdoors. Laura also loved animals and music. She was a self-taught organist and played the organ at the Herbert Living Faith Fellowship Church for many years. Laura is survived by her husband, Dan; daughter, Treena & Jim. She was predeceased by her mother; brother; and by a sister.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at 2:00 pm from the Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Donovan Epp officiating. The pianist for the service was Diane Peters with special music brought by Ken & Kathy Siemens and Lori Andres singing, “To the River” and “Where the Roses Never Fade”. The obituary was read by Jim Knelsen with Brenda Cartman and Bruce Nickel sharing the eulogies. “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “God Be With You” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Donovan Epp. The ushers in the church were Harry Friesen, Ron Schulz and Elmer Wiebe. The Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service and was held at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Niel Block, Rodney Dyck, Bruce Nickel, Brian Nickel, Richard Nickel and Maurice Schapansky. In memory of Laura Schapansky, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com